Nr 503 Week 8 Health Policy And Ethics Through This Assignme
Nr 503 Week 8 Health Policy And Ethicsthrough This Assignment The S
Go to your state ( FLORIDA ) government web page. Find one health policy enacted within the last two (2) years at the state level. Write down the bill number and the sponsors of the bill and include this information in your initial post.
Write a minimum of a one-page critical analysis summary of the policy. (250 words double spaced, APA). Your summary should integrate the concepts of advocacy, population health, and the ANA ethical statements ("The Code"), and course readings (will include at the bottom), to include a minimum of one course scholarly article (provided within the course). Be sure to speak to the role of advocacy and population health.
Paper For Above instruction
The evolving landscape of health policy at the state level significantly impacts public health initiatives and individual well-being. Florida's recent health policy, House Bill xyz, sponsored by Representatives A and B, exemplifies legislative efforts to address pressing health concerns such as opioid addiction. Enacted within the past two years, the bill aims to expand access to treatment programs and enhance community-based support systems. Analyzing this policy critically highlights the importance of advocacy in shaping health outcomes and the ethical responsibilities outlined in the American Nurses Association's (ANA) Code of Ethics. Advocacy serves as a bridge between vulnerable populations and equitable healthcare access, emphasizing the nurse's role in promoting social justice and health equity.
Population health perspectives underpin the rationale for policies like House Bill xyz, which target structural determinants affecting community health. By expanding treatment access, the policy addresses disparities among marginalized groups disproportionately suffering from substance use disorders. Furthermore, the policy aligns with WHO Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), notably Goal 3: Good Health and Well-being, and recognizes the importance of social determinants in shaping health outcomes (Kaiser, 2019). The policy's focus on community-based intervention reflects a holistic approach supported by course readings, emphasizing that health is influenced by social, economic, and environmental factors (Fawcett & Ellenbecker, 2015).
In line with the ANA's principles, nurses can advocate for policy changes that promote health equity and uphold ethical standards of beneficence and justice (Levy, 2018). The policy fosters community engagement and emphasizes prevention, aligning with nursing's ethical commitment to advocate for vulnerable populations. Critical to this process is recognizing the influence of social determinants of health and leveraging advocacy to address systemic barriers. As highlighted by Gawlik et al. (2018), social determinants, such as socioeconomic status and environment, play pivotal roles in health disparities, thus reinforcing the importance of policies that target these root causes.
In conclusion, Florida’s House Bill xyz exemplifies effective health policy aimed at improving population health through advocacy and addressing social determinants. The policy integrates ethical principles, aligns with global health frameworks like WHO SDGs, and underscores the nurse's role in fostering health equity. As healthcare professionals, nurses must continue to advocate for policies that prioritize vulnerable populations, promote social justice, and advance holistic health outcomes. This policy demonstrates the critical intersection of legislation, ethics, and advocacy in transforming public health landscapes nationally and globally.
References
- Fawcett, J., & Ellenbecker, H. C. (2015). A proposed conceptual model of nursing and population health. Nursing Outlook, 63(3), 262–271.
- Kaiser Family Foundation. (2019). Beyond health care: The role of social determinants in promoting health and health equity. Retrieved from https://www.kff.org
- Levy, N. (2018). Legal issues, patient advocacy, and the nursing role. CINAHL Nursing Guide.
- Gawlik, K., Melnyk, B., & Tan, A. (2018). An epidemiological study of population health reveals social smoking as a major cardiovascular risk factor. American Journal of Health Promotion, 32(5), 1283–1289.